If you are a DIY guitar enthusiast or a guitar technician, you would know that wiring is an essential part of guitar building or guitar servicing. A well-wired guitar can produce amazing sounds that are both clear and articulate. In this article, we will discuss the 3 single coil wiring diagram and its variations. This wiring diagram is one of the most popular configurations in the guitar world, and it’s known for its versatility.
What is the 3 Single Coil Wiring Diagram?
The 3 single coil wiring diagram, also known as the SSS (single-single-single) wiring, is a wiring diagram that features three single coil pickups. This wiring configuration has been popularized by Fender Stratocaster guitars, which have been around since the 1950s. The SSS wiring diagram is known for its clarity, brightness, and versatility. It’s a favorite among many guitar players because it can produce a wide range of sounds.
SSS Wiring Diagram
Before we dive into the variations of the SSS wiring diagram, let’s take a look at the standard SSS wiring diagram:
| Position | Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | White | Neck Pickup |
| 2 | Yellow | Middle Pickup |
| 3 | Red | Bridge Pickup |
The SSS wiring diagram features three pickups, each with its own designated wire color. The white wire is for the neck pickup, the yellow wire is for the middle pickup, and the red wire is for the bridge pickup. This wiring diagram is used in many Stratocaster guitars, but it can also be applied to other guitars that have three single coil pickups.
Variations of the SSS Wiring Diagram
Reverse Wound SSS Wiring Diagram
The reverse wound SSS wiring diagram is a variation of the standard SSS wiring diagram. In this wiring configuration, the middle pickup is reverse-wound and reverse-polarity. This means that when the middle pickup is used in combination with the neck or bridge pickups, the hum-canceling effect is stronger.
Here’s the reverse wound SSS wiring diagram:
| Position | Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | White | Neck Pickup |
| 2 | Red | Bridge Pickup |
| 3 | Yellow | Middle Pickup |
FAQ: What’s the purpose of reverse-wound and reverse-polarity pickups?
Reverse-wound and reverse-polarity pickups are a type of pickup that cancels out the hum that’s caused by electromagnetic interference. This hum-canceling effect is stronger when the middle pickup is reverse-wound and reverse-polarity. This is because the reverse-wound and reverse-polarity middle pickup cancels out the hum that’s caused by the neck and bridge pickups.
Seven Sound SSS Wiring Diagram
The seven sound SSS wiring diagram is another variation of the SSS wiring diagram. In this wiring configuration, a push/pull switch is added to the second tone control. When the switch is pushed in, the middle pickup is combined with the neck pickup, allowing for five pickup combinations. When the switch is pulled out, the middle pickup is combined with the bridge pickup, allowing for two more pickup combinations.
Here’s the seven sound SSS wiring diagram:
| Position | Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | White | Neck Pickup |
| 2 | Yellow | Middle Pickup |
| 3 | Red | Bridge Pickup |
| 4 | Green | N/A |
| 5 | Black | N/A |
FAQ: What are the five pickup combinations?
The five pickup combinations are:
- Neck Pickup
- Neck and Middle Pickup (in parallel)
- Middle Pickup
- Middle and Bridge Pickup (in parallel)
- Bridge Pickup
FAQ: What are the two additional pickup combinations?
The two additional pickup combinations are:
- Neck and Bridge Pickup (in parallel)
- Neck and Bridge Pickup (in series)
Conclusion
The 3 single coil wiring diagram is one of the most popular wiring configurations in the guitar world. It features three single coil pickups and can produce a wide range of sounds. The standard SSS wiring diagram is used in many Stratocaster guitars, but there are also variations of this wiring diagram, such as the reverse wound SSS wiring diagram and the seven sound SSS wiring diagram. Whether you’re a guitar player, a guitar builder, or a guitar technician, understanding the 3 single coil wiring diagram can be beneficial in achieving the sound you want to produce.
